Before visiting Miami, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’ve been to Miami as a teenager with my parents but never as an adult. I had seen photos of wild vacations in Miami during my college days so I knew that it had a lively nightlife, but beyond that, I really didn’t know much about it.
And now that I’ve spent 7 full days in Miami alongside my hubby, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! We both really liked Miami even though it is indeed an expensive and flashy city. The beaches were gorgeous, the colorful street art was a dream to explore, and the strong Cuban influence felt like we had transported to another country. I can see why it’s a go-to city for some fun in the sun!
If you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway this winter, then Miami is a solid suggestion. Here are my top things to do in Miami in the winter.
Things to Do in Miami in the Winter
Getting There & Getting Around
Since Miami is a major city, it is quite easy to get too. You can opt to fly directly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or save a few coins by flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). While MIA will put you closer to town, FLL is typically cheaper and less crowded compared to MIA. I saved almost $800 by flying into FLL instead of MIA when Nci and I flew to Miami in December. A quick 30-minute drive in a rental car or Uber ride will get you right into the heart of the city if there is no traffic. The Tri-Rail or Brightline train systems are also an option if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly.
Rent a car or not to rent a car? Nci and I almost always rent a car when we travel as we like to be able to pick up and go as we please. But Miami is a city where you could go without a rental car unless you are planning to take a road trip to the Florida Keys or your activities are far away from each other. Parking can get expensive in Miami depending on the area, but I didn’t find it unreasonable or difficult to find parking the entire time we were there. Keep in mind if you stay at a hotel, you’ll likely have to pay for valet parking, which can quickly rack up some $$$.
Where to Stay in Miami
You’ll find a plethora of hotels to choose from in Miami, and honestly, I have no opinion on any of them at the moment. We opted to stay in an Airbnb that was a short 10-20 minute from all of the major attractions. If you want to stay at the same one as us, here is the property: Luxury Loft – Calle Ocho, Miami Beach & Wynwood
The place was perfect! It was in a quiet neighborhood and close to everything we wanted to see. The spiral staircase was a bit tricky to navigate but you get used to it after a while. Plus, this rental has free parking right out front so there’s no need to lug your bags across town.
As with any major city, crime can be a big problem in Miami. When I was researching the safest neighborhoods to stay in Miami, I found this super helpful map that someone created that shows you the safest areas and the not so safe areas. I found that it was quite accurate especially as you to start to visit the different neighborhoods around Miami.
The next time we stay in Miami, I think we may opt to stay in/near Mid Beach since I love being right next to the water. Mid Beach is typically less crowded and is more residential compared to South Beach although you are a short drive to some great restaurants and nightlife. Other areas I would suggest are Coral Gables and Brickell.
Things to Do in Miami
Rent jet skis
Did you really go to Miami if you didn’t participate in some sort of water activity? I’m kidding – kind of! But it is a good excuse to give jet skis a try if you’re interested. We booked our experience with Jet Ski 305 through Groupon. Even though I was terrified at first, it was an absolute blast! They give you a tutorial on how to use the jet skis, and then you’re on your way!
Personal tip: leave anything you care about at home including expensive sunglasses, shoes, hats, and even your phones! Jet Ski 305 has a place where you can store your valuables while you’re jet skiing in case you forget. Otherwise, I promise you will not see it again.
Go shopping
Besides the infamous South Beach, Miami is also known for its wide selection of shopping. If you’re looking for a high-end experience, browse Miami Design District or Cocowalk. Miami also has a Primark near the FLL airport, which I was most excited about!
Splurge on a couple massage
If you have a little extra time on your hands, I always suggest booking a self-care activity like getting a massage or a facial. Our day-to-day lives can be so hectic that it can be easy to forget to take a break and do something just for yourself. And a great massage is the perfect activity!
When we visited in December, we got our first couples massage to celebrate our birthdays, and it was a lovely experience to bring in a new year together.
Visit the beach
One of our favorite things to do in Miami in December is visit the beach! There is no shortage of amazing beaches around Miami. Some of the top contenders are South Beach (if you want a party vibe), Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside Beach, and Historic Virginia Key Beach. Before heading to the beach, make sure to throw some sunscreen into your bag. My favorites are Black Girl Sunscreen (for the body) and the Supergoop Glow Screen (for the face).
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
No visit to Miami is complete without a visit to Vizcaya Mansion. Designed to look like a modern, subtropical Italian villa, this historic landmark provides a glimpse at life during the Gilded Age and the humble beginnings of Miami. Both the villa and gardens are absolutely beautiful. Since we visited in December, the flowers were not in bloom, but it was still very beautiful. Make sure to bring your walking shoes as this 50-acres estate has a lot of ground for you to cover!
Walk around the Fairchild Botanical Gardens
If you’re visiting Miami during the winter months, make sure to check out the NightGarden, an award-winning light show. From November 11th to January 8th, the Fairchild Botanical Gardens is transformed into an illuminated magical fairytale. Inside, you’ll find unique interaction sculptures, music, and technicolor flowers. Great for both adults and the kiddos.
Go mural hopping in Wynwood
One of the best things to do in Miami in December (or really any time!) is to walk around Wynwood and view all of the amazing street art. Wynwood has the biggest collection of street art in the United States. Literally, almost every building in this part of town has some sort of mural or artwork on it!
To get the most out of your time in Wynwood, I recommend booking a walking or golf cart tour. The neighborhood is so big, and there is a lot of history behind the art in Wynwood that you would miss if you don’t take a tour of some kind. We booked ours with Wynwood Art Walk Tours. We loved learning about the street culture and the individual artists/groups that you’ll find in Wynwood.
Be a kid again at Superblue
Just a short drive from Wynwood, you’ll stumble upon Superblue, an immersive art museum. Inside you’ll be able to interact with the art around you to create a beautiful masterpiece. What makes this experience so unique is that instead of just looking at art on the wall like a typical museum, you get to walk through and interact with each installation from making flowers bloom to touching clouds. It’s a must see while visiting Miami!
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
If you need a break from the Miami heat, stop by the Frost Science Museum, which is home to an aquarium, planetarium, and several exhibitions. Inside, you can explore and learn about South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, the physics of light, aviation, and so much more. There’s an impressive view of the aquarium from below that is a common Instagram photo op.
Boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row
Another fun activity to do in Miami is taking a boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row. Departing from Biscayne Bay, you’ll see some of your favorite celebrities and other millionaires’ homes on the water including Rihanna and Shaq. It was quite inspirational to see Millionaires’ Row as many of the homes are not owned by celebrities, which is just a reminder that anything is possible.
Where to Eat & Drink
Miami is a huge city, and it was pretty daunting strolling through Yelp trying to find the best places to eat in town. But we did find quite a few places that made us smile and kept our bellies full.
Le Chick: Le Chick is an upscale restaurant that serves comfort food and craft cocktails. Out of all of the places that we ate in Miami, Le Chick is by far our favorite. Everything that we ate was delicious, and it’s a great place for a celebration. Reservations are encouraged but not required.
Loretta & The Butcher: If you’re craving Argentinian food or wanting to try something new, Loretta & The Butcher is your spot. Great food, solid prices, and loved the more upscale vibe.
Ms Cheezious: Craving a delicious grilled cheese? Then Ms Cheezious is the perfect place for you! They offer gourmet grilled cheeses, burgers, yummy mac and cheese, and handspun milkshakes.
Bacon Bitch: If you’re looking for a restaurant for a girl’s trip with a bumpin’ soundtrack playing at all times, then you’ll love this restaurant. Bacon Bitch is a brunch (more like a brunch party!) spot that serves comfort food like chicken and waffles and yummy frozen cocktails. Highly recommend the Miami frozen cocktail!
World Famous House of Mac: A small chain in the Miami area that serves comfort food, including gourmet mac and cheese, fried chicken, and jerk pasta. Great place to grab a quick bite to eat!
Other places that came recommended:
- Honey Uninhibited
- Kush
- The Salty Donut
- Yardbird Table & Bar
- Café Bastille
- Red Rooster Overtown
While Miami is known for its nightlife and crazy parties, it can be a great vacation spot for couples or solo travelers who aren’t into the party scene. I hope that this Miami travel guide was helpful or inspirational as you start to plan your own Miami vacation!
You may also like: Johannesburg Travel Guide, Weekend in Tampa, Florida, and Savannah, GA Travel Guide
